Tractor attachment



-E. W` AUSTIN TRACTOR ATTACHMENT Feb. 15, 1944.

Filed June 14, 1941v 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 I mul INVENTOR f//WOf//m/Aush BY Feb. 15, 1944. E. w. AUSTIN TRACTOR ATTACHMENT 3 kSheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 14, 1941 NVENTR Patented Feb. l5, 1.944

TRACTOR ATTACHMENT Ellsworth W.Austin, Ce

or to La Plant-Choate Mi' dar Rapids, Iowa, assign-` g. Co., Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a corporation oi' Delaware application rune' 14, i941, serial No. 398,130 w s claims. (ci. :e7-M4) l My invention relates to means for application to a tractor propelled by operated.

It is customary for a tractor to be manufac-v tured as a nished product and subsequently for so that implements designed to be the tractor can be mounted and smooth path for the bulldozer. Cross equalization introduces either a substantial time lag or mechanism.

While some tools do dozer requires relatively complicated requires a large number of stressed. parts.

As other factors, the mechanism must be mounted on a tractor which already has been well designed for accessibility and it is often necessary to ship the attachment from the factory and erect it in the eld.

Also, a considerable time lag intervenes bepipes and hoses in hydraulic arrangements. This is added to by the necessary working clearances into cumulative lost motion as operating wear increases.

4sembled in the eld.

It is therefore an object of my invention.v to reduce the time lag in response to operation.

of my invention is to provide attachment in which the fore and aft balanceof the'tractor when the device is attached is disturbed but little. v

Another object of my invention is to provide a tractor attachment in which there is no necessity for cross equalization to provide a smooth path of travel for the bulldozer blades.

Another ob'ject of my invention is to provide a tractor attachment in which the force is directly transmitted, thereby obviating intermediate links and stressed structure. l

Another object of my invention is to provide a tractor attachment in which the tractor operators vision is not substantially obstructed.

Another object of my invention is to provide a tractor attachment 'which can readily be as- A further object of my invention is to provide a tractor attachment in whichthe accessibility of the tractor is not substantially impaired.

An additional object of my invention is to provide a generally improved tractor attachment.

The foregoing and other objects are attained in the embodiment of theinvention illustrated in the drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a side elevation of my tractorattachy ment mounted on al tractor and ready for operation. Fig. 2 is a plan as shown in Fig. 1. 4

Fig. 3 is a cross-section, the plane'of which is -indicated by the line 3 3 of Fig. 2. l

Fig'` 4 is afragmentary plan of the lefthand portion of the structure shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a cross section, the plane of which is indicated by the line 5 5 of Fig. 3.

In its preferredform the tractor attachment of my invention .is designed to be utilized with a tractor whichA has a, frame, an engine on the of the tractor attachment frame, a hood over the engine and an implement mounted to swing on the tractor. The attachment comprises a pair of brackets, each of which is fastened at its bottom to the :frame at one side of the engine. 'Ihe two brackets adjacent their top are connected by a cross brace which is removable and passes between the engine and the hood. Each bracket is also provided with a strut which is variable in length and extends between the top of the bracket and the frame. Also to the top of each bracket is pivoted a hydraulically expansible chamber which extends to the implement. Conduite for supplying the hydraulic chambers ators station I9, but also supports extend thereto and are supported between the engine and the hood on the cross brace. A standard control valve and hydraulic supply is utilized to serve the expansible members.

Although the tractor attachment can be applied to tractors of various different types, it is usually mounted in connectionwith a track layer type, generally designated 6. This machine includes a main frame, generallydesignated 1, having side rails 8 and 3, respectively, disposed centrally between a pair of track laying elements, generally designated II, each of which includes a track I2 encompassing a track truck I3 on which are rotatably mounted a front idler a drive sprocket I5, arranged with the track I2 trained around the idler and the sprocket. The sprocket I5 is mounted to revolve in the main frame 1 about an axis I1, which is also the axis of oscillation in vertical planes of the track elements II. These latter are also connected with the central frame 1 by a transverse equalizer spring (not shown) of standard construction which permits the individual trackelements II to rise and fall in their swinging movement, but moves the main frame 1 substantially half the amount of track element deflection. The main 'frame is therefore considerably more stable than either of the track elements.

The main frame provides not only an operan engine illustrated by the block outline 2|. In some designs, especially in smaIlermodeIs, the engine 2I itself forms the forward part of the main frame, and separate side rails 8' and 9 are eliminated. The designation "main frameherein'is intended to refer to both designs.. In the present arrangement the engine radiator 22 is disposed at the forward end of the frame and extends well in advance of the forward end of the track elements II. Aremovable hood 23 overlies the radiator 22 and the engine 2I aiording a stiff support for the radiator and protection for the engine. The hood is easy to remove so that the'engine can be worked upon handily, and together with the radiator and associated parts encloses or defines an engine compartment.

Various different types of rising and falling or swinging implements can be secured to the tractor, and for illustration I have shown a common instance in which -a trailbuilder 24 (of the bulldozer type) is provided. This implementI includes a U frame 26 symmetrical in a horizontal plane about the center axis 21 loi-the assembly and has each one of a pair of side beams 28 and 29 extending around its adiacent track element II to a pivot connection 30 on the-associated truck I3. The connections 30 on opposite sides of the vehicle are substantially axial so that the frame 26 can swing in a vertical arc with respect to the track elements II andto the mainframe`1 withthe earth tool 24joccupying the dotted line position (Fig. 1) when` raised to its limit.

With the present type of implement, the blade 3! can be oscillated about a vertical axis 32 intersecting the axis 2',|.by moving push beams 33 and 34 so that their securing pins 36 occupy selected ones 4of spaced apertures 31 Y'in the` side push beams 28. With this trailbuilder arrangement as well as with a bulldozer in which the blade 3l is solid with the U frame 26, the center of mass ofthe implement is fairly far forward with respect to the tractor and the addition of this weight on `the tractor tends to make the'tractor I4 and identical and cosecured by removable nose-heavy and on uneven ground to pitch or oscillate in a vertical plane.

In order to provide actuating mechanism for the trailbuilder or bulldozer, or other implement, and to keep the mass as far rearwardly as is consistent with simplicity, I provide a pair of devices which for the most part are identical except for symmetry and hence but one need be described in detail. On the side rails, for example on the side rail 8, I mount a bracket 4I which is bolts 42 passing through holes in the lower end of the bracket and through corresponding l holes 8. Similarly, on the other side of the center axis 21, I provide on' the side rail 3 a second bracket 43 secured by bolts 44.

The bracket 4I is inclined rearwardly and is fabricated to constitute one leg of an A frame. Thus, adjacent its Vupper end the bracket is pierced to accommodate the pin of a pivoted clevis 4B having a threaded extension 41 adapted to interengage with a threaded sleeve 48, itself i the other part of the terminating in a bifurcation 49, connected by a pin 5I to a bracket 52 removably securedto the side rail 8. The threaded portion 41 and the sleeve 43 Vtogether constitute a strut making up A frame and variable in irregularities in the positioning of the bracket 52 and of the holes of the fastening 42, and also in the fabrication of the bracket 4I, and of the strut 43 itself, can be compensated for. The adjustment in length can readily be made at any timeffor example, by removing the pin 5I, swinging the strut slightly about the axis of the other pin and then revolvlength so that minor lngthe sleeve 6 8 the desired amount to change When this swung back the spacing of the two-end pins. dimensinis as desired, the strut is adjacent its original again inserted through the pierced bifurcation 49 and bracket 5I. In thisA way, adjustment is readily effectuated. Further, in order to stiften the A frame the -plate 4'I is provided with welded on reinforcing bars 53 and 54. These follow the peripheral contour of the plate where it is otherwise substantially unsupported and also stillen it to compensate for an intermediate offset, as shown in Fig. 4.

In accordance with my invention, I preferably tie the brackets 4I and 43 of the A'frames together transversely to provide an exceedingly stiff structure. An arched channel 56 extends transversely of the tractor and is passed through a convenient portion of the engine compartment preferably being disposed between-the top of the engine 2| and `beneaththe hood 23 so that the hood can readily be removed for general access to the engine without disturbing the channel 38. Preferably adjacent each end, the channel is enlarged by merger with a pad 51. Bolt or stud fasteners 58 are passed through the pads 514 and the corresponding portion of the top of the brackets 4I and 43.

To impart additional stiffness, the channel 56 is augmented with a formed angle 59 following the same general contour as the channel 5G, but being even more deeply arched and extending downwardly to pads 6I' overlying an intermediate portion of the brackets 4 I and 43 to which it is secured by removable studs or'bolts 32. Preferably, the angle arch 53 and the channel arch 51 are weldedtogether adjacent their central portions 63 to form a single unit brace.' generally designated 64. Thus, in installation, the brace 84 is positioned over the engine after in the side frame member position and the pin 5I is' 66 is received. The pin Aof vthe mounting bracket 0|,

vided with an inlet 82 and an outlet 83.

2,341,853 the brackets 4| and 43 have the lower ends of been secured, and is vthen bolted to the upper ends of the brackets. Removal of either one of the brackets 4| or 43, plished without disturbing the other plate and the brace 64, thus rendering accessible one or the other side of the engine'.

In accordance with my invention, I afford means for swinging the implement 24. This mechanism is preferably in the nature of hydraulically extensible chambers which lare identical so that but one need be described in detail. The top of each of the'plates 4I or 43 is reinforced by a boss 65 in which a pivot pin is further supported by abracket 61 welded to the plate and extending to encompass the outboard end of the pin. The bracket 61 is in the nature of a shroud protecting the bearing for the pin and likewise protecting the upper end of the extensible mechanism.

Journalled on the pin is an eye 68 constituting the pivot bearing in the head of a cylinder 69 of relatively long stroke and within which is disposed a piston (not shown). AFrom the piston through a packing mechanism 1| extends a pishowever, can be accom- 96 the pipe 9| if the cocks |04 and ton rod l2 terminating in a lower eye 13. A pair of ears 70 and 'I5 are welded to and stand up from the U frame 26 and a pivot pin 'Il fastens the eye I3 between the ears. 'Ihe earsarepreferably extended and bridged not only for added strength but also to form a guard for the rod l2 against material sweeping overthe top of the blade 3|.

, When the piston rod 'I2 retracts within and projects from the cyilnder 69, the implement is raised and lowered directly withoutlost motion and with but little elasticity. The general mass the strut 46, the brace 60 and the cylinder and piston rod assembly 09 and 'I2 is disposed well toward the rear of the tractor and well behind the front end of the track element |I. Thus, this added weight is 3 the opposite side of the engine 2| from the pipe 86 and generally following the contour of the bracket 43. The pipe is then turned portedby a pair of brackets 94 and 96 respectively, welded to the brace 64. Clip lbars 91 and removable fasteners 98-facilitating the installation and removal of the pipe. From the bracket extends to acontrol valve body 99 disposed on the tank 81 and having an operating handle |0| conveniently located with. regard to the operators 4station I9. The valve 99 is entirely standard and consequently is not described in detail. It has, however, means for providing for return circulation of oil to the tank 81, for regulating the maximum pressure of the liquid expelled by the pump and for discharging I or receiving liquid alternately from two control respectively. The duct |02 is the lifting duct, while the duct |03 is-the lowering duct.

Both of the ducts |02 and |03 shortly in advance of the valve 99 areprovidedwith three- Way cocks |04 and |05 affording communication 'with associated pipes |06 and |01 extending to the central rear portion of the tractor so that transverse pipe |.I2 lying alongside the ypipe 9| and also held by the brackets 90 and 96. One end of the pipe I I2 is connected by a hose ||3 to a conduit II|| secured to the cylinder 69 and disposed at a favorable location so that the tractor balance is not adversely disturbed and no undue pitching fore and aft is introduced into thecompleted assembly. Particularly when the implement 24| is lifted from the ground, the parts travel toward the rear in every instance so that as the mass rises it also shifts rearwardly to a more favorable location.

Also, the location and mounting of the cylinders, their brackets, struts and brace are' such that they do not interfere with access to part or all of the' engine and do not'interfere with removal of the hood. Furthermore, these parts are relatively close to the standard tractor mechanism and are not any substantial obstruction to the vision of an operator sitting at the operators station I9 and watching the performance of the implement 20.

In order to serve the hydraulically extensible chambers 69, Ipreferably the engine 2| and drive by the engine crankshaft a liquid pump 8|. This is any desired type of positive displacement pump and is pro- The inlet receives oil through a rubber hose 80 connected to a pipe 86 extending. to a tank 81 mounted on the tractor main frame 1 and provided with a filler cap 08 through which the supply can from time to time be replenished and from which air released from the fluid can escape.

The outlet 63 of the pump discharges through a rubber hose 89 into a pipe 9| extendingl along mount at the front of I opening communication thereinto at the lower endr below` the piston. The other end of the cross-pipe II2 is connected by a rubber hose I6 to a conduit ||1 extending into the base of its cylinder beneath the piston therein. Thus, when the pipe |02 is supplied with pressure fluid, the

' duid fiows through the connectingpiping and beneath the pistons within the cylinders so that the tendency isto raise the implement 20.

From the cock |05 a pipe H8 runs forwardly and loins a cross-pipe I9 mounted on the brackets 94 and 96, and like'pipes II 2 and 9| extendin g transversely of the machine through the engine compartment preferably between the engine and the hood. One end of the cross-pipe I|9 is connected through a rubber hose |2| to the upper end of the cylinder 69 above the while the other end of the pipe II9 `is connected through a rubber hose |22 to the upper end of the opposite cvl-inrer 69 above the piston therein. Thus. when iiuid under pressure is supplied through the pipe |03, it follows through the connections and Dresses against the upper faces of the pistons within the cylinder, thus tending to lower the implement 24. Since the valve 99 4is appropriately arranged, its operation by the handle I 0I simultaneously actuates both of the extensible mechanisms to raise or to lower the im- .hydraulic system, and contribute to lessening the time lag in responsiveness.

Preferably, the pipes I, I|8 and 9| have pipe unions such as |23 at suitable locations so that can be these pipes which clip to the brace 64 pre-assembled with the brace and can then be and is -sup- |05 are appropriately manip- `ulated the remainingpart o1' the structure can piston therein. V

i the one side and frame, an Y engine movement,

upstanding from said frame at put into position as a unit with the brace and finally connected. If, therefore, it becomes necessary to have entirely free access to the top of the engine 2l, it is necessary only to break the connections of the rubber hoses I2! and H3 on |22 andl I6 on the other side. and to disconnect the hose 89 from the pipe 9| and release the three unions for the pipes 9|, Ill and H8. When the fastenings 58 and 62 and the hood 23 have been removed the brace 64 can be lifted out and carries with it substantially the entire center section of the applied mechanism. Furthermore, this separate central section facilitates a separate tory and permits shipping the tractor attachment in a knocked down condition.

When the center assembly has been removed, either of the side brackets can be removed by withdrawal of the fastenings 42 and disconnection of the strut IIB-so that in a very short time the entire assemblycan either be removed from the tractor upon which it has been installed for repair or use elsewhere, or if the reverse process is utilized, the entire mechanism can quickly be the side elements themselves are substantially at, they likewise form a good knocked down shipping unit.

I claim:

l. A tractor attachment for a tractor having a frame. an engine in said frame and a.hood over said engine, said attachment comprising an implement mounted on said tractor for swinging assembled on the tractor. Since bench sub-assembly at the facmovement, brackets upstanding from said frame to a level substantially as high as the top of said engine, a transverse brace detachably secured to said brackets and passing over the top of said engine and beneath said hood, and expansible chamber actuating 4devices secured to and extending between said brackets and said implement.

2. A tract r attachment for a tractor having a in Asaid frame and a hood over said engine, said attachment comprising an implement mounted on said tractor for swinging brackets upstanding from said frame,

brackment, conduits detachably connected'to said cylinders, and means for supporting said conduits on said brace whereby said brace and said conduits can be removed as a unit from said brackets and said cylinders. K

. 3. -A tractor attachment for a tractor having a frame, an engine in said frame, and an implement mounted for swinging movement, said attachment'comprising a bracket secured to and upstanding from said frame at one side of said engine, an implement swinging device mounted on said bracket, a second bracket secured to and thel other side of each of said frame, an engine in said frame, a hood over said engine, and an implement mo movement, said attachment comprising a bracket secured to said frame at one side of said engine, a hydraulic implement swinging device mounted on said bracket, a second bracket secured to said frame -at the other side of. said engine, a second hydraulic implement swinging device mounted on said second bracket, a brace secured to said brackets and passing between said engine and said hood, conduits for serving said hydraulic devices. passing between said engine and said hood, and means for supporting said conduits on said brace.

5. A tractor attachment for a tractor having a frame, and an implement mounted for s g movement, said attachment comprising a. upstanding from said frame, means for securing the bottom of said bracket to said fram an implement swinging device secured to said implement, means for mounting said device at'the top of said bracket, and a strut of variable length secured to the top of said bracket and to said frame.

6. A tractor attachment for a tractor having a frame, and an implement mounted for swinging movement, said attachment comprising a pair of brackets upstanding from said frame, means for securing the bottom of said respective brackets to said frame, a pair secured to said implement, means forconnecting devices at the top of a respective one of said brackets, struts of .variable length secured to the top of said respective brackets and to said frame, and a brace secured to both of said brackets.

"1. A tractor attachment for having a frame and an implement mounted for movement relative to said tractor, said attachment comprising a pair of brackets and secured to said frame, a pair of implement movingdevices attached to said implement and to said brackets, and a brace detachably secured to said brackets independent of the attachment of said moving devices thereto over said Aframe.

8. A tractor attachment for a tractor having a frame and an implement mounted for movement relative to said tractor, said attachment comprising a pair of brackets devices attached to said implement and to said brackets on the outer sides thereof,'and 'a brace detachably secured to said brackets on the facing sides thereof and extending over said trame.

EILSWORTH- W. AUSTIN.

bracket e of implement swinging devices upstanding from and extending upstanding from and Vsea pair of implement moving v 

